Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Alkene Reactivity
Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons characterized by at least one carbon-carbon double bond. This double bond is a site of high reactivity, allowing alkenes to undergo various addition reactions, such as halogenation. In these reactions, halogens (like Cl2 or Br2) add across the double bond, resulting in the formation of vicinal dihalides.
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Markovnikov's Rule
Markovnikov's Rule states that in the addition of HX (where X is a halogen) to an alkene, the hydrogen atom will attach to the carbon with the greater number of hydrogen atoms already attached. This principle helps predict the major product of the reaction, as it favors the formation of the more stable carbocation intermediate during the reaction process.
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Stereochemistry of Halogenation
Halogenation of alkenes can lead to stereochemical outcomes, including the formation of enantiomers or diastereomers. The addition of halogens typically occurs in a trans fashion, resulting in anti-addition products. Understanding the stereochemical implications is crucial for predicting the specific isomers formed in the reaction.
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